The Sikh religious Takht Sri Patna Sahib has declared Sukhbir Badal as 'Tankhaiya' for ignoring religious summons and violating Sikh tenets. This decision could spark a serious debate in Sikh politics.
Punjab: Sukhbir Singh Badal, the president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), has been declared 'Tankhaiya' by Takht Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib. This decision was made due to his repeated disregard of the Takht's summons and allegations of interference in religious matters. The term 'Tankhaiya' in Sikhism is used for a person who has violated religious tenets.
Two Summons Ignored
Sukhbir Badal was summoned twice by Takht Patna Sahib to provide clarification on a specific religious issue. However, he did not appear on either occasion. Subsequently, at the request of Harjinder Singh Dhami, the president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the Takht granted him an additional 20 days. Despite this, Sukhbir Badal did not present himself before the Takht.
Religious Committee Takes Stern Decision
Considering these events, the religious committee of Takht Patna Sahib decided that Sukhbir Singh Badal had violated Sikh religious tenets. Therefore, he was declared 'Tankhaiya'. This decision is considered extremely serious from the perspective of Sikh religious traditions and discipline.
What is a 'Tankhaiya'?
In Sikhism, a 'Tankhaiya' is a person who disregards religious tenets and the orders of the Takht. Such a person must appear before the Takht, seek forgiveness, and perform 'Seva' (service) as determined by the Takht. Only then is he fully accepted back into the religious community.
New Controversy Arises in Sikh Politics
Sukhbir Badal is not only the head of the SAD but is also considered an influential leader in Sikh politics. His declaration as 'Tankhaiya' has become a topic of discussion in both political and religious circles. This development could also impact the image of the Shiromani Akali Dal and the mutual relations of Sikh religious institutions.
Questions are also being raised about the role of the SGPC, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, in this matter. The SGPC had appealed to the Takht to give Sukhbir Badal time, but he did not appear even within the stipulated time. This is being seen as a major challenge to Sikh religious discipline.
